In any call that we attend to, there is a whole network of operations going on in the background. A combined effort from the team on-site with the logistics team help us provide the urgent care that is necessary. Here is an overview of the operations and the people involved at each stage.
Answering Calls for Help:
Our paramedics are monitoring the thousands of calls to the ‘999’ emergency number for those who are seriously injured. If there is no ambulance or doctors available nearby for immediate attention, our crew is informed who gear up for the trip. The type of trauma, location and emergency of the situation is made known to the onsite staff.
Ground Staff:
The ground staff ensures that the appropriate transport is always on the ready and that all the necessary equipment is on board. This isn’t just on the helicopter but also on rapid response cars during the night or even roadside hot air balloon help. London Air Ambulance’s groundbreaking innovation led to the world’s first roadside hot hair balloon surgery for a severe pelvic hemorrhage. Any maintenance issues are also dealt by them to promptly send help.
On-site Crew:
The onsite crew is guided by our highly skilled pilots who carry a senior doctor and a paramedic to assist patients. They provide the required treatment which allows enough time to reach the hospital for further treatment. The specialist paramedics trained in advanced trauma will do whatever is necessary, even open chest surgery for patients in cardiac arrest at the roadside. We have a survival rate is 18% for this procedure, one of the highest in the world.
Post-Emergency Care:
Once our team has done all it can, the patients are then taken to the hospital where the same high quality care is maintained. Here, the patient liaison nurses aid in the transition and care of the individual patients.
Behind the Scenes:
There are many other important departments that make all the above possible; the Development team look to constantly innovate and improve efficiency so that care can reach patients faster and be more effective. Meanwhile the PR and Commercial Team get the word out so funding can continue (managed by the Finance Team) and so other skilled members who are looking to join can find out, assisted by HR.